WELCA CHRISTMAS-AT-SEA

For the seafarer, far from home on Christmas, a small, wrapped gift from total strangers eases the loneliness, brings joy and reinforces the spirit of Christmas: peace on earth, goodwill to all.

Will you share the spirit of Christmas with a seafarer?

Gift ideas—woolen caps, warm gloves, sweatshirts (XL), t-shirts, white socks, chocolate, canned nuts, Bibles, prayer books, dvd’s, video/audio tapes. We will be collecting items until November 16. There is a box in the Narthex.

NEW JERSEY SYNOD ASSEMBLY 2008 By Harold Engstrom The 21st annual New Jersey Synod Assembly was held in East Brunswick, New Jersey from June 5-7, 2008. The theme for this year’s assembly was “God’s Work, Our Hands”. In the assembly, there were a variety of forums. Some of these included “Mission on the Move” and “The State Budget as a Moral Document”. The evening session included introductions followed by a Holy Communion service. On Friday, June 6th, the day began with a Bible study led by Dr. Sarah Henrich. Elections were held for Synod Council, and representatives for the 2009 Churchwide Assembly. A number of different resolutions were passed. These included the following: 1. Becoming a “Book of Faith” synod by increasing Bible literacy 2. Becoming a ONE Lutheran Synod which involves increasing the U.S. budget by one percent for poverty. 3. Social statement on disability to accommodate people with various disabilities. 4. Resolution on immigration which involves safeguarding human rights of all immigrants and detainees. 5. Resolution on Bottled Water which involves reducing the use of disposable bottles. At the Assembly, congregation anniversaries were recognized. Recognition was also given to pastors for their years of service as ordained ministers. On Saturday morning, June 7th, the New Jersey Synod budget was approved for 2009. There were reports from the Bishop, Crossroads Retreat Center, Lutheran Social Ministries, and the E.L.C.A representative. I was pleased to represent Zion Lutheran Church at the Assembly. It was a positive experience as I became more informed about the various ministries of the New Jersey Synod and the E.L.C.A.

CLOTHING BIN AT ZION THERE IS A CLOTHING BIN FROM A&E CLOTHING CORPORATION NOW LOCATED IN ZION’S PARKING LOT PLEASE LET YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS KNOW THEY ARE WELCOME TO DONATE CLEAN AND USABLE ITEMS Wearable clothing (men’s, women’s & children’s) Shoes, handbags, belts, scarves, ties, & hats Bedding, curtains, tablecloths, towels & stuffed animals ITEMS SHOULD BE IN TIED PLASTIC BAGS NO HEAVIER THAN 18 LB GARBAGE / KITCHEN / SHOPPING BAGS NO LARGE LAWN BAGS PLEASE PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR DONATED ITEMS HAVE BEEN STORED IN A DRY AREA AS A&E CLOTHING CORPORATION WILL NOT PICK UP WET OR DAMP BAGS OF CLOTHING Please note: All items should be clean, usable & wearable as these items will be shipped to Africa, Central America, South America, India & Poland.

Download our Church brochure	Download our Ministry brochure

ON LINE BIBLE STUDY: Bible study is being conducted through e-mail devotions. If you would like to find a devotion in your e-mail four days a week: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, please contact the Church office or e-mail Pastor Whitlock at margayjo@aol.com. The devotions are based on the texts for the upcoming Sunday.

In addition, you can view the devotions online by going to our Weekly Devotions web site.

REGARDING MARRIAGE: Several people have made inquiries regarding our policy on marriage. For future reference, here it is:

Step One: The Bride and Groom attend a Service of Worship in person.
Step Two: The Bride and Groom make an appointment with the Pastor.
Step Three: The Bride and Groom meet with the Pastor at least three times.
Step Four: Fees are discussed and the Bride and Groom schedule a date.

Lutheran Social Ministries of NJ is offering free grief and trauma counseling and individual assistance. For information, please contact LSM/NJ at 609-386-7171

E-Mail: If you have an e-mail address at home or at work, please report it to the Parish Office as soon as possible at (732) 388-1815 or to info@zionlutherannj.org. E-mail addresses will be published in the revised Parish Directory.

ALTAR FLOWER order blanks are available in the Narthex and in the Parish Office. Please check for date availability.

 

 

WELCA is collecting paper goods for the Food For Friends soup kitchen. Receptacles are also available for old eyeglasses and Campbell soup labels.

 

 

We need READERS & COMMUNION ASSISTANTS WE WANT YOU...to be a READER& COMMUNION ASSISTANT. BE THE FIRST ON THE BLOCK TO SIGN UP FOR ONE OF THESE QUICK AND EASY MINISTRIES.

Depending on how many sign up, readers & servers will only have to serve once every couple of months or so! Contact the Parish Office or Violet Stebner at (732) 382-2514. Please list your preference of DAY (Saturday or Sunday) and TIME (5:30 pm, 9:15 am or 10:30 am). The lessons will be mailed out in advance for review. A list of readers and their scheduled times will also be available in case there's a conflict. BE A LEADER!

JOIN OUR CHOIR If you sing in the shower, sing in the car, or just sing in the rain, why not come and sing in your church? Ability to read music is not required, just the enthusiasm to sing some fun music with your friends for your friends.

Anyone interested should contact the Director of Music, Dr. Brian Dallow, c/o the Parish Office at 732-388-1815 or e-mail brian@musicforallseasons.org. The choir sings at the 5:30 PM Saturday liturgy or the 10:30 AM Sunday liturgy and rehearsals are currently held in the Social Hall twice a month on the 2nd & 4th Mondays at 7:30pm.

Want to get involved? Here are some MINISTRIES NEEDED

 YOUR MINISTRY IS IMPORTANT

Office Help - to occasionally supplement our present volunteers when they are not available to assemble worship guidesVisitor News - to occasionally supplement our present volunteers when they are not available to assemble the newsletter. Altar Guild - set up for communion, contact Dot Cole. Cup cake bakers - Contact Gabriele Semenoro or Charlene Lesinski Cup Cakes can be delivered to the church between 1pm & 5pm the 2nd Friday of every month. Teachers & Aids are needed to minister with elementary-age children at Family Liturgy/Sunday School, 9:15-10:15 AM. You may work with lower elementary (grades 1-3) or upper elementary (grades 4 & 5). Speak with Pastor or Anita Waldron, Sunday School Superintendent.

Counters - We need Counting Teams to tally and deposit weekly offerings. Teams currently serve once every six weeks. The more teams, the longer between assignments. Please speak with Linda Cenci or call the Parish Office.

For more information on these or to reach the contact person, call the Parish Office at (732) 388-1815

PROVIDE-A-RIDE: Are you able to provide transportation to and/or from medical appointments for members of the Parish Family who no longer drive? If so, please register with the Parish office at 732-388-1815 or info@zionlutherannj.org.